Smaller size, lighter weight and lower power consumption. In the manufacturing industry of electronic components and pharmaceuticals, the size of pneumatic components is bound to be limited due to the small size of the processed parts. Miniaturization and lightweight are the first development direction of pneumatic components. Foreign countries have developed ultra-small solenoid valves that are only the size of the thumb and have an effective sectional area of 0.2mm2. It is more ideal to develop components with small size and large flow. For this reason, the flow rate of valves with the same shape and size has increased by 2-3 times. There is a series of small solenoid valves with a valve body width of only 10mm and an effective area of up to 5mm2; Width: 15mm, effective area: 10mm2, etc.

The positioning accuracy of the actuator is improved, the rigidity is increased, the piston rod does not rotate, and the use is more convenient. In order to improve the positioning accuracy of the cylinder, the application of the cylinder with brake mechanism and servo system is more and more common. For the cylinder with servo system, the positioning accuracy of ± 0.1mm can be obtained even if the air supply pressure and the load change.

The shape of cylinder barrel is no longer limited to round shape, but square shape, beige shape or other shapes. The guide groove, sensor and switch installation groove are opened on the profile, which makes it easier for users to install and use.

Multi-functional and complex. In order to facilitate users and meet the needs of the market, various small pneumatic systems composed of multiple pneumatic components and equipped with control devices have been developed. For example, the components used to move small items are composed of two cylinders with guide according to X axis and Z axis respectively. The module can move 3kg heavy objects, equipped with solenoid valve and program controller, with compact structure, small occupancy space and adjustable stroke. Another example is the loading and unloading module, which has seven different functional modules. It can complete the loading and unloading operations on the precision assembly line, and can combine different modules arbitrarily according to the operation content. Another kind of manipulator is a combination of a small shape swing cylinder and a collet that can change the swing angle. There are several kinds of collets at the collet position that can be selected.

In order to improve the production efficiency of production equipment, it is imperative to improve the working speed of the actuator. The working speed of cylinder in China is generally below 0.5m/s. According to the prediction of Japanese experts, the working speed of most cylinders will be increased to 1~2 m/s after five years, and some requirements will reach 5 m/s. The improvement of the working speed of the cylinder requires not only the improvement of the quality of the cylinder, but also the corresponding improvement of the structure. For example, the oil shock absorber should be equipped to increase the cushioning effect. The response time of the solenoid valve will be less than 10ms, and the service life will be increased to more than 50 million times. There is a valve with clearance seal in the United States. Because the valve core is suspended in the valve body and does not contact with each other, the service life is up to 200 million times without lubrication.

Development direction of pneumatic components: higher safety and reliability.